Conservation of natural biological resources in Austria

The project will assess the extent and effects of introgression of an introduced whitefish species (Coregonus maraena, Bloch (1779), originating from the Baltic region) into two native whitefish species (Coregonus renke and Coregonus atterensis). We will determine if pure native populations of whitefish still exist in two Austrian lakes (Mondsee and Hallstättersee) representing valuable biological resources whose preservation and future exploitation would be beneficial to society. The analysis will be based on the study of mitochondrial DNA, as well as on methods using the microsatellite and the AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) techniques. The interrelationship between genetic, morphological and ecological characteristics will be studied with special emphasis on the role of two contrasting mechanisms of spawning segregation (in time and space) for counteracting possible hybridization. The study will be complemented using experimental methods (crosses) to assess hybrid compatibility, additive genetic variance of selected traits, and to establish an F2 generation for future mapping efforts of traits of interest (e.g. in aquaculture).